The calculator gets busy! | Launch of the HP-35 | Techday, January 4th
On this TECHDAY, in January 4th 1972, Hewlett-Packard introduced the HP-35, the first scientific handheld-sized calculator and the final step in ending reliance on slide rules, which had previously been used by generations of engineers, scientists and students. The HP-35 name derived from its 35 keys, sold for $395 – around $2.500 in current currency. It performed all the functions of a slide rule to 10-digit precision. The HP-35 was small in size, being only 5.8 inches (150 mm) long and 3.2 inches (81 mm) wide. This made it perfect to fit into the pocket of any shirt – it is said it was tested on the pocket of William Hewlett himself!
Back then, slide rules were the only portable device with t rigonometric and exponential functions. When the model launched, a new just as practical device released for various calculations. With only a three year distribution, between 1972 and 1975, the company released a retro-look HP-35 for the 35th anniversary of the product, in 2007.
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Author: PC-GR
The World of Technology
